optogenetics
nounEtymology (2006) Coined from optics and genetics by Karl Deisseroth and Mark J. Schnitzer in a review paper (K. Deisseroth, G. Feng, A. K. Majewska, G. Miesenböck, A. Ting, M. J. Schnitzer, Next-Generation Optical Technologies for Illuminating Genetically Targeted Brain Circuits, Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 26, no. 41 (October 2006), pp. 10380–6).
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Biology, Genetics, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences A science that combines optics and genetics, aiming at controlling cellular processes with light. The cells are made responsive to light using genetics and then activated using specific wavelengths.
- It is the exquisite precision that can be achieved, without any destruction, that renders optogenetics such a powerful tool.2021 July, Anthony David, “Knowing Me Knowing You”, in The Literary Review:
- Related terms
- chemogenetics, sonogenetics